Divya seeded second in Abu Dhabi Intl Chess Festival

Mrudul, Raunak, Sankalp also in Indian contingent
By Paritosh Pramanik

WOMAN International Master Divya Deshmukh has been seeded second in the 26th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival which is going to be held at Abu Dhabi from August 2-10.
The championship will be held in three categories—Open, Masters and Juniors.
As per seedings on chess-result.com website, Divya got the second seed in the juniors category in which 50 Indians are also taking part.
Divya will also be playing in the Masters category along with Woman Candidate Master Mrudul Dehankar, who has leaped to 2190 elo rating points, International Master Raunak Sadhwani and Sankalp Gupta. They all will aim to gain experience of playing against hosts of Grandmasters.
Over 600 players from 60 countries will be taking part in this prestigious tournament in which 155 will be from India.
All the three categories will be of nine rounds. Matches in Open and Masters categories will begin from August 2 while the Juniors category will start two days later (Aug 4).
Divya will be high on confidence after she created history by winning hat-trick of titles in Under-15 Nationals recently at Chennai. She continued her rich form and within 10 days of that title finished third in the Women’s National Championship at Madurai.
Mrudul, too, will be brimming with confidence going into the competition as she has recently cleared all three WIM norms and needs to play just four players from other federations to be coronated with Woman International Master title.
She would be hoping to play as many foreign players as she can in the competition.
“I am eagerly waiting for the competition. The recent performance has given me a lot of confidence,” Mrudul told ‘The Hitavada’.
Playing against Grandmasters won’t put Mrudul under any pressure as she had locked horns against them earlier also.
“Last time (2017) I played in the same category (Masters) so there won’t be any added pressure. I will take it match by match and hope I play against players from other countries more so that I get the WIM title,” said Mrudul.
Divya, after continuously playing for last six months, took two days break from chess and attended her school, Bhavan’s BPVM, Civil Lines.
The ‘break’ would help Divya in the Abu Dhabi competition, felt her mother Dr Namrata Deshmukh.
“She is playing continuously for the last six months. She is really tired at present. She got two days’ break after returning from Madurai. But she had to attend her school. I think this little break would help her get fresh for Abu Dhabi meet,” said Dr Namrata.
Raunak, who is playing in Europe for past couple of months is presently participating in a tournament in Switzerland. He will directly reach Abu Dhabi from there to take part in the prestigious competition.
Divya, Mrudul and Sankalp will leave for Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

No GRC team in Elite Div this season-2019-20

City Police, who were relegated last season, will fill up the 10th spot in Elite Division

By Paritosh Pramanik

THERE is some bad news for ardent football lovers of the city. Last year’s runners-up Guards Regiment Centre (GRC) won’t be seen in action in the Nagpur District Football Association (NDFA) organised JSW Elite Division League this season.
The military outfit has decided not to participate this season.
According to sources, GRC higher authorities have refused to release its players for the premier competition of the city. Last year, GRC had finished second best behind champions Young Muslim Football Club (YMFC) and were rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 75,000.
With GRC not participating, Nagpur City Police, who were relegated to Super Division last season, will continue to be part of the Elite Division this season too. City Police had a bad 2018-19 where they lost two matches and drew one in the Relegation Final.
“We were informed by GRC that they won’t be participating in this year’s competition. They said that the players were not released by higher authorities,” Iqbal Kashmiri, Secretary, NDFA told ‘The Hitavada’.
“If GRC wants to participate next year they will have to compete in the lower division (Super Division),” added Kashmiri.
GRC had qualified for Elite Division in 2014-15 after they won the Super Division title.
Since last three years, GRC were part of the league and had performed exceedingly well making their way to the top of the table.
The last date of clubs registration was August 20.
GRC football coach Lama’s cell phone was unreachable.
This year Elite Division will see Nagpur Blues as the new entrant. Nagpur Blues were promoted after they emerged 
Super Division champs in 2018.

Other teams of Elite Division are defending champions Young Muslim Football Club, former champions Rabbani Club, Kamptee, Qidwai Club, South East Central Railways, Ansar Club, Nagpur Academy Football Club, Big Ben Football Club, Rahul SSA, and City Police.

Divya finishes third, Mrudul creditable fifth

By Paritosh Pramanik

CITY’s Woman International Master (WIM) Divya Deshmukh added another feather to her cap as she finished a creditable third in the 46th National Women Chess Championship on Saturday.
The competition was organised by Chettinad Public School, Karaikudi in Madurai. Another city girl Mrudul Deshmukh also excelled in the tough competition finishing fifth.
While Divya collected 8.5 points from 11 rounds, Mrudul garnered eight from same number of games.
In the last round, Divya defeated Woman International Master PV Nandhidhaa of Tamil Nadu with black pieces on the third table while 24th ranked Mrudul managed to hold 10th seed WIM Vantika Agrawal of Delhi to a draw. 
Divya started with King’s pawn opening to which Nandhidhaa replied with Sicilian Defence. The over three-hour long battle lasted for 50 moves in which Divya emerged winner.
On the second table, Mrudul once again played a marathon battle which lasted for more than five hours and 79 moves after which both the players signed peace treaty.
The win gave Divya a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh while Mrudul received Rs 1.25 lakh for her fifth place finish.
Both 15-year-old players are Standard X students of Bhavan’s Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir. Divya is studying in Civil Lines branch while Mrudul is a student of Trimurti Nagar branch.
On her way to third place, Divya defeated Ananya Vora, Rutuja Bakshi (both of Maharashtra), V Varshini, J Saranya, Catherina Michelle and PV Nandhidhaa (all of Tamil Nadu) and Nityata Jain of Madhya Pradesh. She drew with Kiran Mohanty of LIC, Meenakshi Subbaraman of Air India and state-mate Mrudul and lost only one game to Bhakti Kulkarni of Air India.
Mrudul defeated Aditi Shrivastava of Madhya Pradesh, Siddhali of Maharashtra, M Mahalakshmi of Railways Sports Promotion Board, V Rindhiya and Srija Sheshadri (both Tamil Nadu) and Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman of Air India. She drew with P Thamaraiselvi of Tamil Nadu, Soumya Swaminathan of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, state-mate Divya and Vantika Agrawal of Delhi. She, too, lost only one game to PV Nandhidhaa of Tamil Nadu.
Both the city girls were elated with their performances in a tournament which was one of the toughest in the country.
Divya, after making a hat-trick of titles in the U-15 nationals at Chennai last week, continued her rich form as she made another podium finish.
Mrudul, who had said that she would take this tournament to gain experience, defeated some higher rated opponents which helped her complete her WIM norm on Friday.
“I am really happy with my performance. It was a great tournament where I gained a lot of experience. Hope this will help me in my future tournaments,” said Divya. I would like to thank my school Principal Anju Bhutani for the support and my coaches GM RB Ramesh, GM Srinath Narayan and GM Jacob Aagard who guided me all through my journey so far.”
Mrudul, too, was elated with her show where she collected 120 rating points. “I am really happy with my performance even though I did not finish on the podium. But still learned a lot from this meet,” said Mrudul.
“It was a very tough tournament in which I played against a few higher rated opponents. Defeating them and earning third WIM norm is really pleasant,” added Mrudul.
Had Mrudul won the last match she would have finished third but the 15-year-old is not too worried about it.
“From this meet I have learnt not to give up and fight till the end,” Mrudul added.
She also thanked her school Principal Parwati Iyer for supporting her in the best possible way.
“I won’t have reached this far without the support of my school management, and principal Iyer madam,” said Mrudul.
“The coaching I got from International Master Anup Deshmukh sir during my early days has really helped me. Now, I am learning from Gurpreet (Singh Maras) sir. He is really working hard on me. A 30-hour coaching from GM Swapnil Dhopade too helped me a lot. I thank all my coaches for where I am today,” said Mrudul.

Here, our future medal winners reside!!!

MAH GOVT’S KRIDA PARABODHINI IN A SHAMBLES

By Paritosh Pramanik

STRAY dogs at the entry gate of the hostel. A stinking dining hall. Poor quality of food. Flies all over the cooking area. Rotten onions spread in a corner of a makeshift storeroom. Choked, filthy, uncleaned toilets. Doorless bathrooms. Dark corridors. Broken fitness equipment.
Welcome to Krida Prabodhini, Nagpur!
Situated in the sprawling premises of Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur, off Koradi Road, this boys’ hostel (earlier there used to reside 10 girls also but it was closed in 2015) is a perfect example of how the State Government is playing with the careers of talented sportspersons of the region. There are 38 students in Krida Prabodhini with 32 handball players and six athletes.
The residential sports hostel for boys is a blot on Nagpur as well as on its sports culture.
The reality of the stinking hostel was brought to light by students of Prabodhini a few days back when they raised their voice against ill-treatment meted out to them, be it providing of inferior quality of food, lack of infrastructure or alleged improper behaviour of the principal. The aggrieved students also submitted a memorandum to the District Collector a couple of days back informing him about their plight.
To conduct a reality check ‘The Hitavada’ visited the hostel from where the Government expects medal winners to emerge for the state. 
It was shocking to see the entrance hall full of dust. Beside the hall, the dining area was occupied by a couple of students having their lunch along with a puppy peeing on the floor even as flies covered the cooking area.
At a makeshift storeroom there were potatoes spread on the floor along with rotten onions meant to serve the students.
On the right side of the entrance a few gym equipment in a dilapidated condition stare at you.
As this correspondent moved ahead towards the first floor, a dark corridor without lights opened up its arms. Stinking toilets with broken doors gave an impression that they were not cleaned for months.
The bathrooms were flooded as the pipeline was choked due to the ongoing renovation work of the hostel. Even the equipment in gymnasium are in bad shape. The seats are torn and weights are very less in numbers. Players say they have not yet received sports kits and other equipment.
“They want us to win medals at any cost. They throw us out if we fail to perform after a couple of years.
“But they don’t provide us the basic facilities. How can we perform to the best of our abilities if we do not get proper diet, proper sporting material and proper place to live,” said a peeved student.
“A water filter was installed a few days back. Otherwise, we were drinking contaminated water,” added another player.
Players are staying in such a shabby condition and, it seems, Government is hardly paying any heed to their genuine demands.
District Sports Officer Avinash Pund, who has been given additional charge of the hostel after Deputy Director, Sports and Youth Affair, Subhash Rewatkar, had to sacrifice Principal’s post, said, the contract of the caterer Ms Shreeram Traders, has been terminated and fresh tenders will be floated for new caterer.
“He (caterer Shreeram Traders) is here till Sunday only. We have decided to terminate his contract. Fresh tenders will be floated soon,” said Pund.
However, the fact is that the rate at which food is served to the students every day is very less. As per Government norms, only Rs 200 per player is being given to the contractor. The Rs 200 are supposed to cover the cost of breakfast, lunch and dinner of best quality.
According to the weekly menu, students are supposed to get boiled eggs, non-veg food thrice a week. They are entitled to get lime juice, fruits, sweet corn, once daily apart from 250 grams of milk, two bananas, soybean and other nutrient supplements daily. These apart from their regular lunch where vegetables as fixed for every day.
Pund accepted the rates are very less and they should be increased.
“Yes, Rs 200 per student/per day in that quantity and of best quality is far less. We will be requesting the Government to increase the rates,” assured Pund.
According to Government rules, there should be a warden, a clerk and a worker at Prabodhini which has a capacity of 60 students. But in Nagpur there are only 38 students hence there are no officials to look after. “I have to prepare and maintain the account books. At times the staff of Divisional Complex work overtime for the hostel work,” informed Rewatkar.
The peculiar condition in which the students are living is really pathetic calls for immediate rectification.

The boys who checkmated blindness

By Paritosh Pramanik

IT IS said tragedy strikes only once devastating the surroundings. But, when the catastrophe pounds twice, it’s destiny’s 
call. Being at the receiving end 
of a tragedy twice, the Pradhans were shattered. But they never lost hope that their day would come and the worries would be wiped out.
Rabi Ranjan Pradhan and his wife Jayanti were over the moon when they were blessed with a baby boy at the end of the 20th century. But their joy was short-lived when they came to know the that their son, Prachuriya, was blind by birth. Heavens fell on the joint family of five brothers and a sister of Boden village in 
Naupada district of Odisha. Somehow, they gathered 
courage and picked themselves 
to lead a normal life taking care 
of their son. Two years later, the new millennium doubled their agony. Their second son Soundarya, too, was born with visual disorder. The Pradhans were gutted.
Both of their kids could not see the colourful world. It was a torrid time which they ventured for several years, unable to show their kids the life in red, purple, blue, green and other colours. The brothers only know and could feel only one colour — Black, dark black.
The kids — Prachuriya, now 21 and Soundarya, 19, — have never seen the face of their parents. But Pradhans did not lost hope. Rabi Ranjan and Jayanti decided 
to bring up their kids like 
other children.
Today, after more than 20 years, Prachuriya and Soundarya are winning accolades in chess and in academics too, topping their exams year after year. The belief of Pradhans in the Almighty is paying off.
The brothers are winning battles and awards on the 64 squares, making their family proud.
In Nagpur to participate in the Aamdar Chashak FIDE Rating Chess Tournament at Dr Hedgewar Smarak Samiti, Reshimbag, Soundarya, a 100 per cent visually impaired, was going strong and was joint leader with four points on Thursday morning.
His father, as always, was providing him support, passing him water bottle, taking him to the washroom during his fifth round match against top seed VAV Rajesh on the top board when, Rabi Ranjan went 20 years down memory lane to share with ‘The Hitavada’ the ordeal and the difficulties they faced while bringing up their ‘special’ kids.
“Earlier, it was very difficult. Our kids were born with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) disorder. It is 1 in 1000 disorders,” said Rabi Ranjan, watching his younger son compete in the fifth round match.
“Our life turned upside down within four years. I was Principal of Biju Patnaik College in Boden in Odisha. But I had to vacate the post to take care of my kids. I decided to step down as principal and took a language professors’ job,” Pradhan said.
He even detached himself from the world. “I was Lingual Theatre Director when I used to direct plays. I gave up that too. I detached myself from society. But then I thought where will it take me and my family. I started grooming my kids like normal ones,” narrated Pradhan.
Both Prachuriya and Soundarya, despite being 100 per cent blind, have best of the brains. Pradhan decided to put them along with regular students when Prachuriya was in 10th standard. But a government school in Boden refused to admit them.
“I wanted them to be like any other kid. From a school for blind I tried the admit them to a regular school but they refused. Then I took them to a farther school, which was around 3-4 kms away from our home. Prachuriya got admission and secured above 90 per cent in his board exams.
“The previous school management, who earlier had refused us, came to my home and admitted their mistake and requested to send Soundarya to their school,” said Pradhan.
Chess was in Pradhans’ blood with Rabi Ranjan’s elder Keshranjan Pradhan being a national-level player.
The two kids learned the basics from their uncle Keshranjan and then from Durgaprasad Mahapatra. After that it became more difficult to give the two proper coaching in Boden.
“Later, they got coaching from IMs Shekhar Sahu, Sagar Saha and Satyapragmya. After that they started taking help of computers and took coaching by playing on it. It was because of softwares—JAWS and NVDA— they started learning chess at higher level. The software converts text into speech which both my kids learned,” mentioned Pradhan. Both Prachuriya and Soundarya are very fast learners and can remembers things quickly.
“If God has taken their sight, He gave them the sharpest of brains,” Pradhan proudly said.
“Soundarya has cleared JEE (Mains) and is studying in National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur Second Year. It is one of the top Institutes in the country and getting admission itself is a Herculean task. But as I said, Soundarya is very bright in academics too, he cleared the JEE which fetched him this seat,” Pradhan said.
Pradhan who will be retiring from his job in 4-5 years, said it is very difficult to make the ends meet for their travels during the tournaments.
“The main thing is lack of sponsorship. Soundarya has represented India in several international tournaments. He has visited eight European countries and made the country proud by winning medals. He won World Junior Silver Medal at Poland last year and fetched silver at Asian Para Games in Indonesia. But still, no corporate house came forward to sponsor his tours,” Pradhan lamented.
“After Indonesia win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated Soundarya in New Delhi. After that there were a few felicitation functions in Odisha but there was hardly any concrete decision on sponsoring him. Being the single earner of the family I am finding it difficult to foot bills of Soundarya’s tournament travels,” said Pradhan.
Now that Soundarya is playing in the open category, he will have to participate in as many tournaments as he can which will help him in getting IM, GM norms. “And for that we need sponsorships. Hope some hands come forward in Soundarya’s support,” concluded Pradhan.


Synthetic track top priority for Dr Suryawanshi


RTMNU’s new Physical Education Department Director chalks out future plans

n By Paritosh Pramanik

HE MIGHT be having ‘n’ number of priorities at his disposal but newly-appointed Director of Physical Education Department and Sports of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi has marked one at the top of his agenda — laying of Synthetic Track.
On first day after taking charge of the department, Dr Suryawanshi short-listed ‘first-things-first’ which included completion of synthetic track and indoor hall at RTMNU’s ground, off Ravi Nagar.
Talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at his office, Dr Suryawanshi spelt out his initial plans: how to improve performance of teams at all India level, forcing responsibilities on selectors, how to reduce walkovers, introducing zone-wise inter-collegiate events, coaching camps, ‘prime time slots’ for national, international level university badminton players etc.
Dr Suryawanshi, who is also secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association, wanted that work of synthetic track begins at the earliest. “It’s been too long. We want synthetic track at the earliest. Nagpur University’s long distance runners are making their presence felt in all India inter-university meets. A synthetic track will definitely help the university produce more medal winners,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also a member of synthetic track technical committee.
“Almost all paper work is complete. I will take the matter with higher authorities. The blue print is ready but due to model code of conduct the process was halted. I will make it sure work starts immediately,” he added.
“Apart from synthetic track, the proposal of indoor stadium is also pending. I will also try to start this work,” said Suryawanshi who represented India at 1987 Poland World Cross Country.
Himself an athlete, Suryawanshi was well aware of the lackadaisical performance of various teams in the West Zone and All India Inter-University meets. He said that he would try to find ways out as to how to improve the performance.
“I will ask all stakeholders for their suggestions on how to improve the performance of teams in all India and West Zone meets. If not all, we can start with a few events where we see the potential. We can hold proper coaching camps and can find out new ways to better the performance,” felt Dr Suryawanshi, a gold medal winner of All India Inter-University Cross Country meet at Chandigarh.
Dr Suryawanshi will also be holding meetings of several sports organisers on how to develop and improve overall performance of players and teams. On Monday, he met officials from athletics, kho-kho and softball.
“We need to meet concerned persons to get their views so that we solve their problems. This might also help in our overall performance,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
The director also wanted to put more responsibilities on selectors of various games who pick teams without watching players during the trials. “I think selectors should watch inter-college meets. If not all, the semi-finals and finals. From there they could get some good players for the trials. There should be more responsibilities on selectors too,” Dr Suryawanshi pointed out.
To develop sports culture, Dr Suryawanshi has decided to organise at least one All India meet.
“We hardly conduct All India Inter-University meets. I would try to get at least one competition every year. That would help us in developing sports culture,” opined Dr Suryawanshi.
“This year we have sent letters to AIU for conducting handball, football, badminton and volleyball all India meets. The schedule is yet to be declared. We may get some of the events,” hoped Dr Suryawanshi.
Dr Suryawanshi was well aware of the walkovers which colleges/teams concede during the inter-college meets. He said he would try to change the pattern of the events so that maximum teams participates.
“Some colleges did not send their teams due to distance of the venue of the competition. We would try to introduce zonal system where teams would get their matches closer to their colleges. But these are only my personal views. We will have to sit with all stakeholders and chalk out a proper, favourable schedule,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also Principal of Sharirik Shikshan Mahavidyalaya, Koradi.
With Nagpur shuttlers excelling all over the country and internationally, Dr Suryawanshi said he would make it sure that university players get best slot at Subhedar Hall for practice.
“As the badminton hall is open to all, our players get less priority. We will try to give them the best ‘prime-time slot’ so that can train well and win more medals for the university,” Dr Suryawanshi concluded.

Synthetic track top priority for Dr Suryawanshi

RTMNU’s new Physical Education Department Director chalks out future plans

By Paritosh Pramanik
July 12, 2019
HE MIGHT be having ‘n’ number of priorities at his disposal but newly-appointed Director of Physical Education Department and Sports of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Dr Sharad Suryawanshi has marked one at the top of his agenda — laying of Synthetic Track.
On first day after taking charge of the department, Dr Suryawanshi short-listed ‘first-things-first’ which included completion of synthetic track and indoor hall at RTMNU’s ground, off Ravi Nagar.
Talking with ‘The Hitavada’ at his office, Dr Suryawanshi spelt out his initial plans: how to improve performance of teams at all India level, forcing responsibilities on selectors, how to reduce walkovers, introducing zone-wise inter-collegiate events, coaching camps, ‘prime time slots’ for national, international level university badminton players etc.
Dr Suryawanshi, who is also secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association, wanted that work of synthetic track begins at the earliest. “It’s been too long. We want synthetic track at the earliest. Nagpur University’s long distance runners are making their presence felt in all India inter-university meets. A synthetic track will definitely help the university produce more medal winners,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also a member of synthetic track technical committee.
“Almost all paper work is complete. I will take the matter with higher authorities. The blue print is ready but due to model code of conduct the process was halted. I will make it sure work starts immediately,” he added.
“Apart from synthetic track, the proposal of indoor stadium is also pending. I will also try to start this work,” said Suryawanshi who represented India at 1987 Poland World Cross Country.
Himself an athlete, Suryawanshi was well aware of the lackadaisical performance of various teams in the West Zone and All India Inter-University meets. He said that he would try to find ways out as to how to improve the performance.
“I will ask all stakeholders for their suggestions on how to improve the performance of teams in all India and West Zone meets. If not all, we can start with a few events where we see the potential. We can hold proper coaching camps and can find out new ways to better the performance,” felt Dr Suryawanshi, a gold medal winner of All India Inter-University Cross Country meet at Chandigarh.
Dr Suryawanshi will also be holding meetings of several sports organisers on how to develop and improve overall performance of players and teams. On Monday, he met officials from athletics, kho-kho and softball.
“We need to meet concerned persons to get their views so that we solve their problems. This might also help in our overall performance,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
The director also wanted to put more responsibilities on selectors of various games who pick teams without watching players during the trials. “I think selectors should watch inter-college meets. If not all, the semi-finals and finals. From there they could get some good players for the trials. There should be more responsibilities on selectors too,” Dr Suryawanshi pointed out.
To develop sports culture, Dr Suryawanshi has decided to organise at least one All India meet.
“We hardly conduct All India Inter-University meets. I would try to get at least one competition every year. That would help us in developing sports culture,” opined Dr Suryawanshi.
“This year we have sent letters to AIU for conducting handball, football, badminton and volleyball all India meets. The schedule is yet to be declared. We may get some of the events,” hoped Dr Suryawanshi.
Dr Suryawanshi was well aware of the walkovers which colleges/teams concede during the inter-college meets. He said he would try to change the pattern of the events so that maximum teams participates.
“Some colleges did not send their teams due to distance of the venue of the competition. We would try to introduce zonal system where teams would get their matches closer to their colleges. But these are only my personal views. We will have to sit with all stakeholders and chalk out a proper, favourable schedule,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also Principal of Sharirik Shikshan Mahavidyalaya, Koradi.
With Nagpur shuttlers excelling all over the country and internationally, Dr Suryawanshi said he would make it sure that university players get best slot at Subhedar Hall for practice.
“As the badminton hall is open to all, our players get less priority. We will try to give them the best ‘prime-time slot’ so that can train well and win more medals for the university,” Dr Suryawanshi concluded.

Hockey India not to permit Vid sub-jr boys in nationals

Principal Correspondent

IN ANOTHER ignominy to Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA), Hockey India has decided not to entertain its team in the forthcoming 9th Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship.
The championship, last of the season, is going to be held at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh from June 17.
In an email reply to Vivek Siriah, with copies marked to VHA, Dr AP Joshi and Pramod Jain, Hockey India clearly stated that none of its team would be allowed to participate in the nationals unitl clarification from Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court is sought.
Hockey India Executive Direcror Cdr RK Shrivastava, VSM, also said the federation would move court to seek clarification regarding legalilty of the selection committee.
The AP Joshi-led VHA, on Tuesday, announced coaching camp-cum-selection trials for the sub-junior men’s national. This was after Vivek Siriah, on Monday, mailed a letter to Hockey India requesting the federation to allow his team to participate in the nationals. He also requested HI for railway concession, entry forms, players registration form.
But, a day earlier (on May 19), Jain, who has been appointed as secretary by the eight executive committee members, sent a mail through VHA email id to HI stating that the selection committee (of which Siriah is chairman) has already been dissolved by 
the executive committee on August 2018. 
He also attached a copy of a newspaper cutting with the letter to prove his point.
Hockey India also stated that the participation of the sub-junior women’s team in the B Division nationals as allowed “solely on the basis of the order of the Hon’ble High Court dated 15 May 2019. The said order is not applicable for future events.”
“Accordingly, in view of the fact that the selection committee under your (Siriah) aegis is a dispuited body, Hockey India will bot be permitting the team to participate in the Sub-Junior Hockey National Championship (B-Division) scheduled at Bilaspur from 17 June to 29 June 2019 and will not permit any other team to nparticipate in aby future event unless the order of the Hon’ble High Court High Court dated April 16 2019 is complied with,” said Hockey India’s mail.
“Furthermore, in the light of the continuing dispute, we are constrained to move the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, Nagpur Bench pursuant to Writ Petition No 488 of 2019 for a clarification that the selection committee should be appointed by the concerned administrator, which is in turn appointed through the Charity Commissioner’s office. Until then, it has become evident that the selection committee cannot be appointed without dispute. We will notify you as and when we will be moving the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay, Nagpur Bench,” the mail, signed by Cdr Shrivastava, VSM, stated.
VHA will be moving court challenging HI’s decision. “We will definitely move court and challenge the decision,” Dr Joshi said.
Siriah’s phone was ‘switched off’ when ‘The Hitavada’ tried to contact him.

City’s Himanshi guides Mah to women’s sub-jr hockey final

Principal Correspondent

NAGPUR’S Himanshi Gawande scored a goal as Hockey Maharashtra pipped Uttarakhand 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 9th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s National Championship at Sikar in Rajashthan. Maharashtra will meet Hockey Himachal in final on Saturday.
Himanshi’s ever-improving performance in the tournament has helped Maharashtra team to make it to the summit clash.
A vital cog of Maharashtra team, Himanshi scored the opener in the all important semi-final on Friday. After playing a barren first quarter, Himanshi sounded the board three minutes into the second quarter to give her side the much needed lead.
Uttarakhand drew parity immediately through Monika Uniyal to change ends on an even keel.
In the 42nd minute Maharashtra’s Prajakta Mane scored the second which turned out to be the match winner.
Himanshi’s performance in the tournament is really praiseworthy as she has scored in almost all the matches which Maharashtra has played.
In the match against Mumbai, which Maharashtra won 6-0, Himanshi, a student of Ira International, had scored twice. In Maharashtra’s 9-0 thumping of Goa, Himanshi had scored a goal while against Kerala the Nagpur lass has scored two goals. Himanshi is coached by Shahid Bux who rates her very high. According to Bux, Himanshi has all the ingredients to make it to India camp.
Himanshi has represented Vidarbha in a couple of national championships. An ace forward line player, she has led the Vidarbha team in national championship too.
With Hockey India suspending Vidarbha Hockey Association and in search of better opportunities, Himanshi decided to attend trials of Maharashtra team at Pune. She got selcted on the basis of her excellent skills and proved her selection with excellent performance in the tournament.

Not Quite On Track

By Paritosh Pramanik

AN UNEVEN running track, no place to change clothes, incomplete sitting area, no lights, no arrangement for drinking water... Welcome to the Divisional Sports Complex’s Synthetic Track Stadium, Mankapur.
The recently-constructed first and only synthetic track has seen relaying within a couple of years. The track was laid in April 2017 and within two years the upper layer became uneven due to the red layered surface losing its grip with the layer beneath it.
When this track was under construction, athletes and coaches of the city had heaved a sigh of relief that they would get a proper place to practice. But due to apathy from government department, which handles the maintenance of the complex, the track has started earning a bad name even before it is properly recognised.
The upper layer of the synthetic track was relaid a few months back. Yet the ‘bubbles’ in the track remain at a couple places at the 100 metres stretch area. According to several athletes and coaches no watering is done on the track which is one of the major reasons for the rubber losing the adhesive.
When in use, players, specially female, find it difficult to change as there is no changing room. Above all, not a single washroom is in place at the compounded area of the synthetic track.
Players and coaches are praying with folded hands to get a chance to practice so that they could prepare for the forthcoming district, state and national meets. But they were told by the Deputy Director office that repair work was still going on and hence they could not practice. But when ‘The Hitavada’ visited the track no work was in progress.
Nagpur Improvement Trust appointed Super Construction Company of Nagpur to construct the stadium including the track. They then forwarded the work to Hyderabad’s Grace Infra Pvt Ltd at a cost of Rs around 40 cr.
But poor work quality of the synthetic track saw the upper red layer losing its granules and grip with lower layer and it was decided to relay the turf. The Divisional Sports Complex decided to shut the door and asked NIT to repair the track in January 2019. But till now the players are denied entry inside the stadium for practice.
When contacted, NIT washed its hands saying the track is ready and can be used by the players.
“We have no problem in players using the track. We had asked not to use the track for 20-25 days after it was relaid. It is ready barring a couple of spots which are yet to be repaired. But the other part of the track can be used by players,” said an Executive Engineer of NIT on condition of anonymity.
Several coaches have complained about non-availability of basic amenities at the synthetic track but all have fallen on deaf ears.
“There are no lights at the stadium due to which players can’t practice late in the evening. As the sun sets, anti-social elements throng the area making it risky for female players. There is no changing room for girls. The spectators gallery, where there are proposed washrooms and changing rooms, is incomplete. There are no lights. It is very difficult to train the players. Now we are told that the track repair work is still going on and we can’t use it,” said one of the aggrieved coaches.
“We want our athletes to train, if not at the synthetic track then at any other ground in the surrounding. But all the grounds are occupied either by cricketers or football players who did not allow us to practice there. Where should we go no,” asked the coach.
NIT’s contractor has stopped the work of spectators’ gallery due to non-payment of dues. “The work would start immediately after the pending bills of contractor are paid. Work of around Rs 8 crore is pending. After the Divisional Sports Complex Committee releases the funds, work will begin and will be completed as soon as possible,” said a source at NIT.
Deputy Director of Sports Subhash Rewatkar said they have received the funds and it would be released soon.
“We have received the funds and the same would be released soon. The construction work of stadium will be completed as early as possible,” he said.
On opening the gates of the synthetic track for players, Rewatkar said, “Once the remaining relaying work is completed they will allow the players.”
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Complete work on 
war-footing: Suryawanshi
Nagpur District Athletics Association secretary Dr Sharad Suryawanshi has demanded that the remaining work of the synthetic track should be completed on war-footing.
“Concerned department should complete the remaining work on war-footing. New athletics season has almost started and players need to prepare for that. As per new guidelines of Athletics Federation of India all the competitions of senior categories have to be held on synthetic tracks. For that our star and internationally acclaimed athletes like Nikita Raut, Prajakta Godbole have to practice on these tracks. 

“The authorities should allow players to practice on the relaid track leaving aside that part which is yet to be relaid,” requested Suryawanshi.

Vidarbha hockey heading towards court, again?

Both factions decide to hold selection trials for sub-junior boys’ nationals

Principal Correspondent

HOCKEY administrators are up against each other, once again, fighting with each other to ‘kill’ the careers of hockey players, this time of sub-junior boys.
Dr Arvind Joshi, who has been appointed as the president of Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) by eight executive committee members, has announced dates for coaching-cum-selection-trials for the forthcoming 9th Hockey India Sub-Junior Men’s National Championship which is going to be held at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh in June.
The coaching camp cum selection trials are going to be held from May 26 at VHA ground.
But the High Court cleared selection committee headed by Vivek Siriah, too, is going to conduct the trials in coming days.
The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court had in its order dated April 16, 2019, said that there is ‘no dispute’ in the selection committee and they shall select the players and forward their names to Hockey India which shall thereupon permit the players to participate in the tournaments.
Siriah-selected girls sub-junior team participated in the nationals at Sikar in Rajasthan, recently.
But Joshi alleged that BC Bhartia and Vinod Gawai, while challenging Hockey India’s decision of denying Vidarbha teams participation in nationals, did not submit the actual letter of Hockey India before the court. He claimed that all the sub-committees were dissolved and hence the Siriah-led selection committee was illegal.
“Bhartia and Gawai did not submit actual facts in the court. (Vivek) Siriah too did not submit the mail he received from Hockey India which stated that his committee is not legal, in the court,” claimed Joshi.
He said they did not stretch the case further looking at the future of the girls who had already reached the venue for the nationals.
“We wanted the girls, who had reached Rajasthan, to play. Hence we did not argue in the court last time,” said Joshi. 
“But now we will submit the documents which state that the selection committee was dissolved,” added Joshi.
Siriah said he will also be conducting the trials in coming days.
“I will announce the trials dates within a couple of days. I will abide by the court’s order which has entrusted me in holding the trials,” said Siriah.
“Had my selection committee been illegal, they (AP Joshi panel) should have submitted the same in the court. Why did they keep silent then,” asked Siriah.
The press release issued by Joshi states that the coaching camp will be held from 6.30 to 8.30 am daily from May 26. Players born on and after 1-1-2003 are eligible for the coaching camp. 
“From aforesaid camp, players will be selected to represent Vidarbha hockey team in the forthcoming 9th HI Sub-Junior (Men) National Championship (B Division) to be held at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh from June 17 to July 2,” states the release.
Interested players of Vidarbha will have to report alongwith authority letter from their school, district president/secretary and original birth certificate issued by Municipal Corporation, Aadhar Card. They should report to incharge Dharamraj Kanojiya, or Prof Kunal Patil on May 26 at 6.30 am.
“More details can be had from VHA secretary Pramod Jain,” the release states.

‘Checkmate’, it’s all in the family!

Grandpa-grandson Thakurs, father-son Khherdekars make a mark at Raisoni chess

By Paritosh Pramanik

WE HAVE seen several fathers and sons playing in a competition either for the same team or as an opponent in several outdoor sports. Here, at the ongoing 1st GH Raisoni Rating Chess Tournament under way at Dr Ambedkar College of Management, Deekshabhoomi, a father and his son as well as a grandfather and his grandson are attracting people as they ‘hunt in pairs’ with their bold moves on 64 squares board.
Former national champion Sauravh Khherdekar, who is seeded fourth and is representing Railways in this rating chess tournament, is playing along with his 14-year-old son Arnav Kherdekar.
Similarly, Vijay Thakur, a 74-year-old veteran is father of renowned chess player of city Akash Thakur. Akash’s 8-year-old son Aarit is also participating in the tournament. A student of Modern School, Neeri, Aarit and his grandfather both have two points each from four rounds.
For fourth seed Khherdekar, he has recorded 4-out-of-4 wins and is running shoulder to shoulder with other leaders. His son Arnav had mustered three points from four games till Monday evening.
“It’s good to see your kid play along with you,” said Khherderkar senior.
“I won’t say he is a great player, but he is improving very fast. He regularly plays tournaments in Mumbai and is developing,” said Sauravh, who is working with Central Railways and shuttles between Mumbai and Nagpur.
Sauravh is born and brought up in Nagpur and has won several district as well as state level titles while in city. The family shifted to Mumbai after he got transferred. 
“I am at present giving online coaching to several foreign players. Most of them are from US,” revealed Sauravh. “At Mumbai too there are a few players whom I coach but mostly the coaching is online at present,” he added.
Eight-year-old Aarit Thakur was busy with his friends after his match when this scribe disturbed him. Very calmly he said, “I play with my father as well as my grandfather at my home. They both teach me the game of chess.”
When asked who wins between grandpa and him, Aarit hesitantly said, “Most of the times Grandpa wins, but at times I too beat him.”
Vijay Thakur, a couple of months back, had won the district Veterans’ title.
“He is a very senior and talented player. Akash has inherited those qualities from his father and now Aarit is doing so,” said Swapnil Bansod, Chief Arbiter of the tournament.
At present they are not yet paired but it would be interesting to see when they sit across the table and trade their moves to outwit each other.
These pairs are not making any major upsets but in coming years, the Khherdekars and the Thakurs would definitely made their families proud.

City’s Pranay Bandbuche conquers Mount Everest

By Paritosh Pramanik

PRANAY Bandbuche, a 30-year-old mountaineer from Nagpur has successfully scaled Mt Everest along with 13 foreigners, Monday morning. The team of 14 members, along with seven Sherpas, climbed the highest peak at 8.30 am and stood atop Mt Everest.
All the climbers are from Imagine Nepal Treks and found a second fair summit window on Mt Everest this spring season. Bandbuche was the only climber from India.
Apart from Nagpur’s Bandbuche, climbers who made it to the summit point include Flampouri Christina and Archontidou Vasiliki from Greece, Jia Lin Chang, Liu Yongzhong, Wang Xue Feng and Zeng Hui Wen from China, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Dawa Tenzin Sherpa, Tamting Sherpa, Lakpa Tamang, Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, Phurba Chhotar Sherpa and Dendi Sherpa.
Bandbuche, a member of CAC All-rounder, got training from Atal Behari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. He also climbed one of the toughest Hanuman Tibba peak in the Dhauldar Range to become only and the youngest from the city to achieve the feat.
Representing India, Bandbuche also climbed world famous Mt Deo Tibba, Mt Sithidhar and Europe’s highest peak Mt Elbrus.
If not only mountaineering, Bandbuche is also a cycling frenetic. He has completed 200 and 300 kms Brevets that too within time limits 11 hr and 36 mins and 18 hours respectively. He hails from Kuhi, Umred and helps his father in farming.
CAC All-rounder, where Bandbuche is a member is all proud of his achievement. Director Amol Khante said, “It is really proud moment for all of us. He has proved to all of us that he has the courage and determination to conquer any peak.
“Being a witness to Pranay’s entire journey it’s a proud moment for all of us. His success again proves that if given opportunity then what a simple, village background youth can achieve. This will also motivate youths of our region to take up challenges in their life,” Khante told ‘The Hitavada’.
Mingma Gyalje Sherpa is the Managing Director at Imagine Nepal Treks. “Kili Pemba and Archontidou Vasiliki reached the summit point at 8:00 am while others scaled the mountain at 7:15 am,” he said.
“Imagine Nepal team was the only expedition which made the final summit push on Mt Everest today,” Gyanendra Shrestha, a liaison officer at the base camp, said. “More than 200 climbers have already headed to the high camps to make their final summit pushes starting tomorrow. The summit window may last for the next three-four days,” he said.
“The climbers have been descending to Camp IV after the summit,” Shrestha added.
The first two-day weather window was closed on April 16 after over 150 world climbers made it to the summit of Mt Everest. A team of rope-fixing Sherpa climbers had opened a climbing route to the top becoming the first team to stand atop the roof of the world on April 14.

dribbling under the moon

Akash Chikte Sports Academy out to produce future stars


By Paritosh Pramanik

THERE is no dearth of talent in the hinterlands of this country, be it any sports. Players with abundance of talent can be found in remote villages and districts. Cricket, hockey, football, to name a few, are blessed with such outstanding players who were picked from the mud and dust-engulfed grounds and excelled in the national colours.
Hockey got a talented goalkeeper in Akash Anil Chikte, who was born and bred in a small Lohara village in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra. The talent was spotted at a very early age. Graduating from Vidarbha hockey team to Krida Prabodhini in Pune, Chikte landed a job in BEG Pune and then grabbed the opportunity to seal India berth. Who other than Chikte knows better how important it is to discover talents from rural India.
With this aim, Chikte decided to start an academy in his hometown where he could spot talent, nurture them and then convert them into robust hockey players so that they could run shoulder to shoulder with the urban players.
The India goalkeeper recently started Akash Chikte Sports Academy in Yavatmal where he, along with his friends, provide free one-month hockey coaching to budding players from nearby villages.
They don’t have astro turf or any lawn field to practice upon. The stars for future are being made on the ‘chat’ of mud fields.
The academy is not just for the summer where kids spend time when they are away from their school. It will first spot talents during the one-month summer coaching and then train the selected one-year long.
Chikte started this academy with a long term plan and has even registered it with the Charity Commissioner’s office in Yavatmal.
Though they have got a piece of land at the outskirts of Yavatmal, the Akash Chikte Sports Academy (ACSA) is presently being run at Abhyankar Kanya School premises in Yavatmal.
At present there are around 100 budding talents at the academy. Plans are afoot to convert it into a residential one.
Though there are no specialised trainers or renowned international coaches, Chikte has used all his experience and recalled his days at Indian hockey camp while planning the training sessions for the campers. Be it fitness or strength building, all are scheduled meticulously.
Chikte knows rural players lack in fitness and he has made it sure that there is yo-yo test for all the players with proper points system (22.4 points for toppers and 18.5 for average).
The schedule also includes video sessions where the students are shown international matches and Chikte himself explains the moves and how the player defended.
For strength building Chikte has procured old used truck tyres. The players were asked to either pull them or roll them across to increase strength in the arms.
A proper diet plan is also there and players were served nutritious and full of proteins breakfast, lunch and dinner.
To make it less monotonous, jungle trekking, hill cycling, night camping, fun games, are also included in the schedule.
Players who have played nationals like Devendra Chaperiya, Shahid Sayyad, Pooja Bhoyar, Gourav Nimbolakar and Avinash Joshi are helping Chikte in coaching and training of the players.
One of the unique features is the midnight training for the players every Saturday. Training starts at 12 in the midnight and continues for nearly two hours.
“This is being done to improve concentration of players on the ball,” White, yellow astro turf balls are distributed to players and they have been asked to dribble them. The players are really enjoying practicing and learning at midnight. It really improves their concentration,” Chikte added.
“Yavatmal Police and 47 NCC battalion too came forward and helped us in providing the tents which are erected at school ground,” he added.
“I want more players from hinterlands to represent India. The talent here is in abundance. The only thing is that they require proper channel to deliver. I am trying to provide them that rope with which they can move up the ladder and don India colours one day,” Chikte told ‘The Hitavada’.
“We have around 100 players at present (55 girls ,40 boys , 10 support staff and five coaches). We have provided proper kits to all the players, trainers and coaches. The coaching is being imparted by senior players who have represented state in the past,” mentioned Chikte.
The summer camp is free of cost but it requires a lot of funds to run the ‘show’. Chikte decided to take a meager amount of Rs 10 from everybody, players, coaches, friends and well wishers. This Rs 10 is collected every Sunday.
“This helps us in generating a little bit of money. Major contribution is being done by my friends. I thank Yavatmal MLA Madan Yerawar who helped me in providing T-shirts for players,” said Chikte.
Chikte himself has loosened his purse strings for the academy. “Bahut paisa lag raha hai mera...per mai khush hu (I have spent a lot but I am happy).
“The gym session is done at Go Pro Fitness Centre while the cooling off is done at Dr Nandurkar College’s swimming pool,” he informed.
The academy will not only train players but it will also participate in various tournaments locally and around the country. “Once they are fully trained I will make it sure that they play matches all over the country. Exposure is very important for such players,” mentioned Chikte.
“I can’t create a player in just one month. After one month I can inform them what they should do, how to plan their schedule for next one year,” informed the India goalkeeper.
This might be the first of its kind academy in entire Vidarbha where an international repute player has come forward to train the budding hopes from villages. With such determination and dedication, Akash Chikte Sports Academy is sure to become a future nursery of hockey stars.

‘Iron out differences for sake of hockey players’

Several past, present players, administrators laud High Court’s decision

By Paritosh Pramanik

SEVERAL former hockey players and administrators welcomed the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court’s decision to include the sub-junior women’s hockey team of Vidarbha Hockey Association in the ongoing 9th Hockey India National Championship at Sikar, Rajasthan.
Justice Manish Pitale, on Wednesday, directed Hockey India to change their schedule and include VHA team in the ongoing 9th Sub-Junior Women’s nationals at Sikar, Rajasthan.
Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages specially on several WhatsApp groups of hockey players since morning.
Current and former VHA officials as well as players welcomed the court’s decision and hoped that the current stalemate in the association would be solved amicably.
A few also lauded the efforts taken by selection committee chairman Vivek Siriah for pursuing the matter relentlessly with Hockey India.
“Congratulations, today VHA sub-jr girls playing (their) 1st match at Sikar, Jaipur against Uttarakhand,” wrote former VHA joint secretary Bhaskar Naidu on a WhatsApp group.
Former secretary of VHA Shiv Chhatrapati award winner Triloki Nath Sidhra also lauded the court’s decision and also congratulated Siriah.
“At last God blessed the right of players to play at Sikar National Championship by virtue of High Court order. Congratulations to Mr Vivek Siriah and his party for the pain taken,” wrote Sidhra.
Sidhra also requested all the concerned to shun their egos and join hands to take the game to the next level.
“At least Nagpur hockey loving people should learn the lesson (from this) and solve (the issues) among themselves instead of spoiling the image of VHA in whole. All should come with broad mind and open heart for the right of players,” Sidhra added.
Shahid Shaikh of Yavatmal, too, congratulated VHA and said, “players toil hard under sun and their hardwork should not go down the drain.”
Though Vidarbha had a bad outing in their first encounter as they lost to Uttarakhand 7-0, Sidhra said it was part and parcel of the game.
“Losing and winning is not the matter, participation and learning the temperament of (playing at) nationals matters. If atmosphere before leaving Nagpur was (had been) peaceful there would be better result and better performance of the players too,” he wrote.
Chairman of selectors, Siriah thanked all and also requested the warring parties to bury their differences for betterment of hockey. In an emotional message he prayed all to give Vidarbha hockey a new ray of hope.
“With due respect, Appeal to all Seniors, Friend’s and colleagues, kindly bury all past differences and move ahead for betterment of hockey in the region. Argument and counter argument will lead us to nowhere, let’s give Vidarbha hockey a new ray of hope. Regard Vivek,” wrote Siriah.
A former hockey player Rahul Dhargawe congratulated the team for participating in the nationals. At the same time he thanked BC Bhartia, former VHA president and Vinod Gawai, former secretary and selection committee members for challenging Hockey India’s decision to ban VHA, in court.
“Heartily Congratulations. Thanks to Vinod Gawai sir, BC Bhartia sir, Bhaskar Naidu sir for a great support. Really good work and thanks to selection committee too for such wonderful job. Thanks to Vivek Siriah sir (Chairman), Ravi James sir (Convenor), Roshni Kupale madam who conducted the selection trials smoothly and sent the team for national Championships. #Best wishes,” wrote Dhargawe
VHA secretary Pramod Jain, who belongs to AP Joshi group, also welcomed the court’s decision. He was also of the opinion that differences among the executive members should be sorted out amicably in the interest of the game.
“I am very much happy at last that Vidarbha girls team got opportunity to play in national championship. All the differences among the executive members should be sorted out amicably in the interest of the game, and in future VHA should work for the betterment of hockey players and nobody among us (should) see the doors of Courts,” wrote Jain.
In a message to this scribe, former secretary Vinod Gawai said they had to move court for the right of hockey players.
Gawai also said that he was deeply hurt that four teams of VHA could not participate in earlier nationals due to the chaos and confusion created by some people. “We have to move the court for the rights of hockey players. Some people, for their personal gain, created chaos in VHA. They misrepresented Hockey India and even press and were happy with the suspension of VHA. We had no option but to move to hon’ble High Court. Our stand vindicated and we got the justice for hockey players of Vidarbha,” wrote Gawai.
Gawai was of the view that everything would be fine once fresh elections are held.
The elections are due since several months. “I hope everything will be all right soon after the fresh elections. Loss of four nationals participation and halt to the well developed chance of astro turf at VHA will always hurt me. Let’s hope for the best in future,” Gawai concluded.
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Poor start by
VHA girls in nationals

Principal Correspondent

IT WAS a mixed day for Vidarbha sub-junior women’s team at the 9th Hockey India National Championship at Sikar in Rajasthan. Even though they ‘won’ the chance to play in the national meet after High Court’s order, their performance on the field was not praiseworthy.
Vidarbha lost their first match to Uttarakhand by six goals.
Uttarakhand’s Khushi Katariya scored four goals in (21st, 28th, 33rd and 50th minutes) while skipper Monika Uniyal (6th, 59th) scored two in their team’s win.
Vidarbha are placed in Pool C along with Uttarakhand, Sports Authority of Gujarat Hockey Academy and Hockey Madhya Bharat. Next match on May 18 against Sports Authority of Gujarat Hockey Academy.

Make changes in schedule and let VHA play: HC to HI

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN A major victory for the sub-junior girls of team Vidarbha Hockey Association (VHA) the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has directed Hockey India (HI) to permit Vidarbha squad in the women’s sub-junior nationals which got under way from Wednesday at Sikar, Rajasthan.
In its order the court said the players should not be the victims of infighting of the committee members.
According to sources, in the late development on Tuesday, Hockey India had sought clarification from High Court regarding its order delivered on April 16 about the legality of the selection committee.
On Wednesday, High Court passed the order in favour of the selection committee and directed Hockey India to “permit the players sent on behalf of the Vidarbha Hockey Association to participate in the 9th All India Sub-Junior Women National Championship (Division B).
The court observed that “as regards the question as the whether the players sent on behalf of the Vidarbha Hockey Association to participate in the said tournament were selected by an undisputed selection committee or not, at this stage this Court refuses to go into the said question” and asked the organising committee to permit them to play and “make appropriate changes in the schedule of the tournament which is to start from today.”
All the parties in VHA were of the view that the team which is present at the venue should play the tournament.
“Everybody present including AP Joshi and Pramod Jain supported to let the selected team play in the nationals,” said a source.
“They only wanted that the team list should be sent to Hockey India through president (Joshi) and secretary’s (Jain) signature. But no heed was paid to this request as the Judge repeatedly said ‘let the team present at the venue play,” the source added.
The court in earlier order had directed the selection committee, ‘in respect of whom there is no dispute’, to select the team.
On Wednesday High Court observed that the selection committee followed the court’s order and “did actually forward the names of players for representing Vidarbha Hockey Association in the national championship.”
The court also pointed out that the selected players have already reached the venue of the tournament to represent Vidarbha Hockey Association and hence directed Hockey India to permit them to participate.
The single judge bench of Justice Manish Pitale also observed that it was unfortunate that due to inter se rivalry and dispute between to factions of VHA, the players representing the Association are the ultimate victims.
“It has to be kept in mind that the primary function of sports associations like VHA is to ensure that the best team representing the association participates in tournaments so that sports persons and the sports itself is given due encouragement,” the court observed.
The High Court also said if the players are not allowed to participate they would be unable to showcase their skills and their morale would be lowered. 
In its order the court directed Hockey India to conduct the process of verification of age under national code against age fraud in sports and other compliance required under the norms laid down by International Hockey Federation.
When contacted AP Joshi said, “We all wanted the players to play the tournament. I have already said that the players should not suffer. Hence we all wanted the team sent by Siriah to play.”